Special Events Manager

City of Temple, TX; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A city government organization in Temple, TX is seeking a dynamic Special Events Manager responsible for leading and executing signature community events. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and project management skills, a background in event planning, and experience in budget management. Flexibility for evening and weekend work is essential. Join us to make a difference in our community's cultural landscape.

Qualifications

• Four years' experience in event management with one year in a supervisory role.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of community events.
• Manage Special Events team and oversee budget.
• Build relationships with community partners.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Budget Management

Event Planning

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Event Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Event/Marketing Software

Job description

Overview

Ready to Start Your Career with the City of Temple?

The Special Events Manager is responsible for leading, planning, and executing the City’s signature community events, ensuring they are safe, engaging, and aligned with organizational goals. This role oversees the daily operations of the Special Events team, including staff supervision, budget and contract management, event logistics, and community partnerships. This position serves as a key liaison with residents, businesses, sponsors, and other City departments. The position requires creativity, strong organizational and people skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each function which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Provides vision and leadership for the City’s special events program, aligning events with organizational goals, community values, and strategic priorities.
• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Evaluates existing processes, events, and workflows, and recommends new opportunities to expand the special events and sponsorship programs.
• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Reviews current and future requirements from needs assessments and develops both short- and long-range plans to anticipate and meet those needs.
• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Develops, implements, and monitors goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division while supporting overall department goals.
• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Stays abreast of trends in marketing, entertainment, music, and community interests.

• Team Leadership & Workforce Management: Oversees division recruitment, hiring, and training. Conducts regular team evaluations.
• Team Leadership & Workforce Management: Prioritizes work activities to meet objectives and ensures team members have the proper resources to complete assigned work.
• Team Leadership & Workforce Management: Fosters a positive team culture emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional development.

• Financial Management & Compliance: Develops and monitors expenditures for federal, state, and local funds for assigned areas.
• Financial Management & Compliance: Oversees the acceptance, reception, and collection of all payments following financial control procedures.
• Financial Management & Compliance: Prepares and recommends major purchases, capital expenditures, and budget requests following financial guidelines.
• Financial Management & Compliance: Manages budgets for special events and sponsorships.
• Financial Management & Compliance: Monitors contracts and contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Prepares and reviews reports and manuals (after-action reports, operations manuals, etc) to monitor and communicate performance.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Develops, tracks, and reports on key performance indicators on a monthly, quarterly, or as needed basis.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Tracks and analyzes event performance metrics (attendance, satisfaction surveys, ROI, sponsorship value, and economic impact) to guide future planning.
• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Presents performance outcomes and recommendations to leadership, council, and other stakeholders.

• Operations, Facilities & Safety: Responsible for asset and inventory management and ensures proper maintenance of assigned resources.
• Operations, Facilities & Safety: Reviews safety procedures and protocols for assigned areas and monitors daily operations to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and health and safety regulations.
• Operations, Facilities & Safety: Works closely with all City departments to ensure seamless logistics, public safety, and facility readiness for events.
• Operations, Facilities & Safety: Coordinates with Police, Fire, and Emergency Management departments to establish safety protocols and contingency planning.

• Technology & Data Management: Leverages technology to track registrations, attendance, financial performance, and related data.

• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Investigates and responds to complaints from residents and businesses concerning staff, instructors, programs, and facilities.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Builds and maintains strong relationships with residents, businesses, sponsors, and community partners to foster collaboration and support for events.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Maintains knowledge of permit application processes, city ordinances, and city policies, coordinating with other departments and media outlets.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Acts as a liaison to organize and conduct event meetings, arranging facilities, coordinating press, and inviting individuals and groups.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Partners with the Marketing & Digital Media division to promote programs through City publications, newsletters, e-blasts, and other media.

• Professional Development & Networking: Participates in professional organizations and marketing information groups to advance knowledge and network with other industry professionals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with strong spelling, grammar, proofreading, and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a team while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Skilled at building strong partnerships and collaborating effectively with internal departments, external vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Skilled in public speaking and community engagement, with the ability to build positive relationships with residents, stakeholders, and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve operational challenges quickly to ensure smooth event execution.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate cost-effectiveness and make data-driven financial decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and make timely, effective decisions during high-stakes situations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, web-based applications, and event/marketing software; able to troubleshoot technical issues and adapt to new technologies.
• Knowledge and experience across all aspects of marketing, including advertising, public relations, special promotions, research, website management, digital marketing, database marketing, and direct sales.
• Strong customer service orientation with a professional, positive, and approachable attitude.
• Demonstrated creativity, professionalism, and personal commitment to excellence in all aspects of work.
• Reliable and dependable, with a strong record of punctuality and regular attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Tourism, Public Relations, Recreation Administration or related field
• Four (4) years’ experience in related field to include one (1) year experience in a supervisory role
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Tourism, Public Relations, Recreation Administration or related field
• Five (5) years’ experience in related field to include two (2) years’ experience in a supervisory role
• Experience working in municipal government and/or county level event operations
• Bilingual in English & Spanish
• Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE) certification

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid driver’s license

Thank you for your interest in the position. Please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted.